Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a fallen tree located off the right side of the runway during takeoff.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot was departing a 50-foot wide turf runway which was oriented north and south. A fallen tree was lying on the right "outer edge" of the runway, but the pilot believed he "had room to miss it." During the takeoff roll, the airplane "went to the right," and the right wing contacted the fallen tree. The airplane spun to the right and collided with a fence. The right wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane, and that he "just got too close to the fallen tree."
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA10CA112